For someone to say that Saban leaving would NOT have a huge effect on the game is beyond absurd. I think Iowa fans are trying their best to make their game seem normal but in reality, it isnt if Saban leaves.
yep, what Marine said. Hey man my rep points are improving----back in the green baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You may be right... The "word" from the Iowa camp is that our O-Line is finally healthy and our #4 RB, Marquis Simmons is back and running very well... Iowa won't rack up tons of rushing yards, but the pieces are finally in place to run enough to keep the D honest and set up play action... Our D usually creates one TD, either directly or indirectly, I believe our offense is good for 2 TDs, and our FG kicker has been drilling it from 57 yards and in... 3 TDs and 2 FGs for Iowa, IMHO. Now if we can't stop your run AND Randall plays like he dis against the hogs, 27 may not be enough to win... If you guys can do those two things, you will win... By the way... 6 DAYS UNTILL KICKOFF!!!
You seem very confident in your kicker... that worries me a little because I have faith in our defense to bog down your team and stop the touchdowns, but if your kicking fielgoals from midfield then those points will certainly add up. I wish LSU had a good kicking game, but it has been much improved as of late. I'm not sure if ya'll have watched any LSU football games, but to expect 3 TDs is high hopes if you ask me (barring terrible turn-overs, which have mostly come under control as the season progressed). We can talk stats all we want, but we both know that both of these teams have improved through the course of the year and can expect a hell of a game from both sides.
Considering all that has happened in the past 2 weeks, I wouldn't be surprised if, to add to the weirdness, Jackson boots three, 50+ yard FG's and nails all of his PATS to lift the Tigers to the win! :thumb: :geaux:
No offense, but if you're getting excited that your #4 running back is "running very well", then you REALLY don't give our defense nearly enough credit. We've faced teams with RB's that are WAY better than yours (Cadillac and Ronnie Brown, anyone?) with OL's geared to running the ball, and have done real well vs them. Trust me, your running game is the farthest thing from my mind. Containing Drew Tate and the Hawkeye receivers is the challenge that I think will be the toughest to meet. That and running on that D-line and LB group you guys have.
You are correct, 3 TDs would be a lot to ask against your VERY tough defense... My prediction is certainly based on our D creating one TD, which they have done all year... Our FG kicker has progressed very well in his first year... having to replace Nate Kaeding (rookie starter for San Diego) was a tough task... He was 5-5 against Minny late in the season and hopefully will account for 3-4 FGs... But again, if LSU establishes the run (tough to do against Iowa) and Randall playes well, we won't stand much of a chance... but those are big IF's... Either way, I LOVE college FB, and am very much looking forward to partying with LSU fans on NYE and pre/post game... I will be trolling for some free gumbo for sure, with some nice Cuban cigars in my pocket for barter! Good Luck Tigers....
How many defensive TD's do the Hawkeyes have this year? I love defensive battles, and this game shapes up to be one of the best this Bowl season.
Good question... Our D only scored 2 TDs directly, but set up a ton of points this year... Turnover margin is one of our strengths... On the season: 16 INTs - 196 yds returned, 2 TDs 15 Fumble recoveries Iowa threw 12 INTs (mostly early in the season when Tate was new) and fumbled away 5 balls. That equates to a 31-17 Turnover margin... Just like the LSU D, Iowa is very fast and hits extremely hard... many forced fumbles... This does shape up to be a defensive chess match, and in hindsight, my 27-23 prediction might be high... I do know I'll have a great time, win or lose... there is NOTHING like college football gameday, especially a New Year's Day Bowl!
